Techniques to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs results from a fear that the master will not return. Many dogs bark, cry or act out by chewing on furniture or causing other messes. While it may seem that there is not a cure for your dog, there are techniques and products that have the potential to reduce or eliminate separation anxiety.

The first technique to reduce separation anxiety is aimed at proving to your dog that you will always return. While your dog is watching, exit your house and close the door. Wait just a few seconds and then return. Go about your business in the house for a few minutes and then exit the house again. Once again, return in a few seconds. Continue to repeat this process but stay out for a bit longer each time. It may take several days or even weeks but your dog will begin to realize that you will always return.

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Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. They associate smells with people, other animals and even events. You can use your dog’s sense of smell to help reduce her separation anxiety. For a few days, spray a bit of perfume or cologne in the air when you enter your house. Your dog will begin to associate the smell to you coming home. After your dog becomes familiar with the smell, begin to spray the perfume right before you leave the house. The smell will reassure your dog that you will be returning since she already associates the smell with you entering the house.

Another way to use your dog’s sense of smell to reduce her separation anxiety is to leave an article of clothing with your scent. Leave a shirt that you wore the day before on her bed or in her crate. The scent on the clothing will provide comfort for your dog.

When you are getting ready to leave the house do not make a fuss or say goodbye to your dog. Dogs do not understand the concept of goodbye. Saying goodbye only makes the master feel better. Your dog will become excited and enter a state of heightened anxiety if you make a big fuss before you leave. Also, when you arrive home do not give your dog a lot of attention right away. Enter the house and go about your business. After a few minutes you can play with your dog. These techniques allow your dog to learn that your entering or leaving the house is a normal everyday occurrence.

D.A.P. Dog Appeasing Pheromone is a product that helps reduce separation anxiety for some dogs. This product imitates the smell of a dog pheromone. The smell relaxes many dogs and can be successful at reducing separation anxiety as well as stress induced by thunder or fireworks. D.A.P. Dog Appeasing Pheromone comes in the form of a diffuser, a collar and a spray, none of which can be smelled by humans.

Do not become frustrated while trying to reduce your dog’s separation anxiety. Many dog owners try a few techniques before they see results. Some dogs respond quickly to these techniques while others take longer to show improvement. The key is to have patience and experiment until you find a technique that works for your dog.

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